Boca Grande, January 8, 2010—The MRAA Board of Directors has approved four resolutions proffered by the Advisory Council of Marine Associations. ACMA is an organization of regional, state, and local marine trades associations that serves as an advisor to MRAA on legislative, regulatory, and industry issues. ACMA meets once per year at the MRAA annual convention where it discusses many state and federal government issues. "MRAA highly values the recommendations of ACMA and will work in 2010 to implement them as well as other government issues as they arise", said Ed Lofgren, MRAA Chairman.

Resolution 1—ACMA members are concerned that promised transparency regarding the expenditures of Grow Boating funds has not materialized, as pledged by boat builders. ACMA has been unable to find dealers who can substantiate receipt of any Grow Boating support, and the 85% of Grow Boating engine assessment funds that were to be used to directly assist retailers in the sales of boats has not been so used. ACMA asks MRAA to undertake an immediate study leading to a report to industry retailers on how the 85% of Grow Boating engine assessment funds were used in 2009 to implement retail boat sales.

Resolution 2—ACMA is very concerned about all attempts to increase ethanol standards above E10 in marine gasoline and recommends to the MRAA Board that MRAA should continue all efforts to retain federal ethanol gasoline additive standards of E10 and oppose any attempt to increase ethanol additive levels beyond that level. ACMA remains concerned about the destructive nature of ethanol to marine engine systems and the resulting safety considerations to vessel passengers.

Resolution 3—ACMA supports S. 1666, a bill introduced by Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Benjamin Cardin (D-Maryland), which would require the United States Environmental Protection Agency to study the compatibility of fuel additives, such as ethanol, with current engines before it can issue a waiver from the Clean Air Act to increase the federal standards.

Resolution 4—ACMA believes there is a strong nexus between the fishing and boating industries and asks MRAA to actively pursue, support, and lobby fishing issues in its government relations work.